Self publishing in India has become a popular and accessible option for authors looking to bring their books to market. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the process of self publishing in India, covering everything from manuscript submission to the final distribution of both print and eBooks. We also highlight the top Self Publishers in India, offering insights into how to choose the right publisher, what to expect during the publishing journey, and the requirements involved. Whether you’re an aspiring author or looking to understand the self-publishing landscape, this guide provides the essential information you need to successfully publish your book in India.
Process of Self-Publishing in India
1. Editing
Editing is the cornerstone of a polished manuscript. Self publishers in India offer professional editing services to enhance clarity, grammar, and flow, ensuring that your narrative resonates with readers. Many self-publishing companies in India provide specialized editing for various genres, which can be crucial to making your book stand out in a crowded market.
2. Book Designing
Formatting & Typesetting: Proper formatting ensures consistency and readability across different devices and print formats. Typesetting involves arranging the text and images into a well-structured layout. These services are often provided by self-publishing companies to ensure your book meets industry standards.
Cover Design: A compelling cover is essential for attracting readers. Many self publishers in India offer custom cover design services based on ideas given by authors. While authors don’t need to submit a pre-designed cover, they can provide concepts, and the publisher’s team will develop a professional cover accordingly.
3. Printing
Self publishers in India generally offer two options for printing paperback books:
- Print on Demand (POD): POD allows books to be printed as they are ordered, minimizing costs and reducing excess inventory.
- Inventory Model: Some self-publishing companies may opt to maintain a small inventory to meet immediate online demand.
4. Distribution
eBook: Many self-publishing platforms also facilitate the distribution of eBooks on popular platforms like Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play. This expands the reach of your book to a global audience.
Online Platforms: Self-publishing companies often handle the distribution of both print and eBook versions to major online retailers, ensuring global availability and increased exposure to readers worldwide.
- Retail Stores: Some self-publishing companies have partnerships with a select number of reputable brick-and-mortar retail stores, allowing your book to be physically displayed and sold. However, this option usually involves a one-time fee for placement and promotion within these retail locations.
How to Submit a Manuscript to Self Publishers in India?
- Research: Start by identifying self publishers in India that align with your genre, needs, and goals. Evaluate the services they offer and read reviews from authors who have previously worked with them.
- Prepare Your Manuscript: The manuscript need not be fully edited before submission. Publishers typically have editing services available and may suggest edits if necessary. However, the manuscript should be as error-free as possible to ensure a smooth submission process.
- Submission: Submit your manuscript through the publisher’s online submission portal or via email, as per their specified process.
- Review: The self-publishing company will review your manuscript and may provide feedback. If your manuscript is accepted, they will typically send you a publishing agreement.
- Agreement: After accepting your manuscript, you will sign a publishing agreement that outlines the terms, rights, royalties, and other important details.
Requirements of Self Publishers in India
To publish with self publishers in India, you’ll need the following:
Manuscript: A completed manuscript, which should be as error-free as possible. It does not need to be edited beforehand, as publishers have professional editors available for a certain fee.
Author Bio: A short biography and photograph to help readers know you and connect with you.
Cover Design Idea: While self publishers in India do not require authors to submit a final cover design, they typically ask for ideas and concepts. The publisher’s design team will then create a professional cover based on the author’s input. But in case you have your cover ready, you can share that too.
How to Choose Among Various Self Publishers in India?
Choosing the right self publisher in India can make all the difference in your publishing journey. Here’s how you can select the right one:
Services Offered: Evaluate the range of services offered by the self-publishing company. Look for those that include editing, design, marketing, and global distribution.
Cost: Compare the pricing structures to ensure transparency and check for any hidden fees. Some self-publishing companies offer tiered packages, while others provide customized solutions based on your requirements.
Distribution Channels: Research the platforms where your book will be distributed. Some self publishers in India have exclusive contracts with online retailers, while others offer broader distribution options.
Royalties: Look into the royalty percentage and payment schedule. Some publishers offer higher royalties in exchange for more control over the publishing process.
Author Support: Check if the self-publisher offers continuous support during the publishing process. Good customer support is essential for troubleshooting and resolving any issues that may arise.
List of Self Publishers in India
Here are some of the top self publishers in India:
Damick Publications: Damick Publications is recognized as one of the leading self publishers in India, distinguished by its author-first philosophy. They empower writers by keeping them at the center of the publishing process, offering personalized support, timely delivery, and exceptional quality at affordable prices. Unlike many in the self-publishing space, Damick maintains strict manuscript screening to ensure only high-potential works are published. Once selected, authors benefit from expert guidance on marketing and sales strategies, along with access to selective offline distribution in reputed bookstores—making Damick a preferred choice for serious authors seeking both creative control and professional publishing standards.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Best For: Debuts & Already Published Authors
- Website: https://www.damickpublications.com/
Notionpress: Notion Press is one of the fastest-growing platforms for self publishing in India, headquartered in Chennai and operational since 2012. Built on the concept of “Publish here, sell everywhere,” it offers authors a range of pre-set publishing packages tailored to suit different needs and budgets. Known for its continuous innovation, Notion Press consistently enhances its platform to provide high-quality services and a seamless publishing experience. As a pioneer in self publishing in India, it has empowered countless authors to take their stories to a global audience with ease and professionalism.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5
- Best For: Debuts & Already Published Authors
- Website: https://www.notionpress.com/
White Falcon: White Falcon Publishing is one of the reputed self publishers in India, known for leveraging its Print on Demand platform to help authors publish their books with global reach. They specialize in offering flexible publishing solutions, allowing authors to create custom plans tailored to their specific needs. What sets White Falcon apart is its commitment to affordability, making quality publishing accessible to authors with varying budgets while maintaining a strong focus on worldwide distribution.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Best For: Debuts & Already Published Authors
- Website: https://www.whitefalconpublishing.com/index.html
Indiepress: Indie Press has quickly emerged as a preferred choice for self publishing in India, offering premium publishing and distribution services with a strong focus on transparency and author earnings. Its standout feature is 100% sales transparency, along with the highest royalty per copy sold in the country. Unlike volume-driven platforms, Indie Press prioritizes book sales over publishing large numbers of authors, backed by an aggressive and strategic marketing team. As part of the Pratilipi Group—which includes Pratilipi App, Pratilipi FM, IVM Podcasts, Pratilipi Comics, and Westland—Indie Press enables multi-format content monetization and supports publishing in over 12 Indian languages. Select titles also enjoy nationwide bookstore distribution, giving authors both reach and revenue potential.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Best For: Debuts & Already Published Authors
- Website: https://www.indiepress.in/
Griffin Publication: GRIFFIN Publication, founded by renowned author and internationally acclaimed poet Mousumi Kalita Sachdeva, is a unique name among self publishers in India. Born from her passion to support genuine writers and guide emerging talent, GRIFFIN is committed to nurturing aspiring authors and poets on their journey to publication. Unlike many platforms, GRIFFIN accepts only well-crafted manuscripts, but also mentors new writers in refining their work. Each script undergoes thorough evaluation by the editorial team and is professionally edited before being transformed into a book. For those seeking a supportive and quality-driven partner in self publishing, GRIFFIN Publication stands out as a trusted choice.
- Google Rating: N/A
- Best For: Debuts & Already Published Authors
- Website: https://www.griffinpublication.in/
Evincepub Publishing: Evincepub Publishing has become a trusted name in self publishing in India, known for its swift, hassle-free process and consistently positive author feedback. With a strong global distribution network, Evincepub enables authors to reach over 150 countries and 39,000+ online stores through both paperback and eBook formats. Their efforts in the self-publishing space were recently recognized by Hindustan Times, highlighting their growing impact in the industry. In addition to self-publishing, Evincepub also offers Hybrid and Traditional publishing options, having delivered numerous bestsellers over the years. What sets them apart is their ability to secure offline distribution for self-published books in major Indian bookstores—a rare achievement. Esteemed authors like Pankaj Lochan, Aditya Raj Kapoor, Saniya Inamdar, and Shaheen Kazi are among their successful titles.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Best For: Debuts & Already Published Authors
- Website: https://www.evincepub.com/
24by7 Publishing: 24by7 Publishing offers flexible publishing packages tailored to meet diverse author goals, making it a convenient choice among self publishers in India. They cater to a wide array of genres, including romance, autobiographies, historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy, as well as children’s books. With a streamlined process and genre-spanning expertise, 24by7 Publishing makes self-publishing accessible and efficient for writers across India.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5
- Best For: Debuts & Already Published Authors
- Website: https://www.24by7publishing.com/
Clever Fox Publishing: Clever Fox Publishing brings extensive industry expertise to the world of self publishing in India, offering a range of services including guided publishing, partnered publishing, and traditional publishing. Known for their professional approach and attention to detail, Clever Fox delivers books that meet international quality standards, making them a reliable choice for authors seeking excellence in publishing.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Best For: Debuts & Already Published Authors
- Website: https://www.cleverfoxpublishing.com/
Half Baked Beans: Founded in 2012 and based in Mumbai, Half Baked Beans Publishing is a prominent name among self publishers in India. Beyond just publishing, they focus on giving authors strong visibility and social media recognition—crucial elements for boosting book sales in today’s digital landscape. Their approach combines quality publishing with effective promotion, making them a valuable partner for modern-day authors.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Best For: Debuts & Already Published Authors
- Website: https://www.halfbakedbeans.in/
Orange Publishers: Orange Publishers, a pioneer in self publishing in India, has been a trusted name in the industry for over three decades. Their simple, four-step process makes publishing easy and accessible. Authors begin by submitting their manuscript via email, selecting a suitable publishing package, and once the contract is approved, they make the payment through the chosen method. From there, their book is published. Orange Publishers has rapidly built a solid reputation in the publishing world, steadily becoming a preferred choice for authors.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Best For: Debuts & Already Published Authors
- Website: https://www.orange-publishers.com/
By understanding the self-publishing process and evaluating publishers based on your needs, you can make an informed decision and successfully publish your book through one of the top self publishers in India.